Bill aims to prevent student athlete head injuries

Requires coaches to pull student athletes from play after head injury

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida House has unanimously passed a bill requiring coaches and others to pull student athletes from play or practice after a head injury.

The bill (HB 291) was approved 116-0 on Thursday. It also prevents any student athlete from returning to competition after a head injury until given the all-clear from a physician. The measure ensures that parents or guardians sign an "informed consent" form about the dangers of concussions before a student can join a team.

The issue of student athlete concussions -- essentially when the brain bruises from knocking against the inside of the skull -- has risen in importance in recent years.

Multiple concussions over time can cause irreversible brain damage. Victims suffer problems in thinking and in controlling emotions, among other problems.

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